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26 Apr, 2024 by Justin tettenborn
Working with Jeff has been a great success! A friend recommended I contact him after I explained my struggle to get the attention of the attorney I had been working with. Switching over to work with Jeff was a great decision. He provided insights and advice that my other attorney overlooked, he always responds quickly, and I feel like he really takes the time to consider what's best for my situation so he can offer me the best possible advice. Working with him has proven to be a great investment and I look forward to working with him for years to come.
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28 Feb, 2024 by Abnise bonami
Jeffrey is an amazing Attorney always willing to answer all my crazy questions. He set up my Trust, Will and more. I would recommend him to any small businesses and individuals
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29 Jan, 2024 by Jeffrey hathorn
Mr. Jeffrey Dowd has been very helpful to my business here in Tampa. He has helped me with employee contracts, helped with providing legal documents to acquire other companies & many other legal advice questions. I highly recommend!
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5.0
8 Reviews
5.0
57 Reviews
23 Dec, 2024 by Jo mostro
Kari and her team are wonderful to work with!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Robert watkins
I can’t say enough good things about the Law Office of Kari L. MacDonald, P.A.! Kari conquered my case with ease, and I couldn’t be more grateful. She was incredibly thorough in handling every detail, leaving no stone unturned.
What truly stood out was her outstanding communication. I was never left in the dark—she kept me informed every step of the way and always provided excellent advice. Kari has a remarkable ability to explain complex legal matters in simple, understandable terms, which was invaluable to me since I didn’t have a deep understanding of the laws.
Over the years, I’ve had experience with several attorneys, and I can confidently say Kari is the best by far. She is professional, knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly dedicated to her clients. I highly recommend Kari and her team for any family law needs.
Thank you, Kari—you are absolutely the best!
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11 Nov, 2024 by Jilian schild
Kari MacDonald is a super hero of sorts. She swooped in and saved the day as she navigated us through a contested divorce. She made what seemed impossible happen-our case was settled outside of court. I was certain I'd never see a dime of child support and wanted to hold my ex acccountable, while being able to stay in the marital home with our children. She drafted a marital settlement agreement that met the unique needs of our family and I am so grateful for Kari and her firm. No detail was left unseen thanks to her knowledge, experience, and forward thinking. We would recommend this firm without any hestitation because we experienced only the highest level of professionalism with Kari on our case.
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5.0
6 Reviews
4.8
40 Reviews
24 Sep, 2024 by Kelly
We have used Hemness Faller a couple of times throughout the years and they have always provided excellent results for us.
Hemness Faller was recommended to us by a friend who had been in similar situations with an aging parent. Danielle provided a plan to help us take care of my dad’s physical and financial needs.
Also as parents we needed to make sure our children would be looked after by family if anything happened to us.
Our children are now grown and out on their own so we returned to Hemness Faller to update all of our legal papers. We asked a lot of questions and they took the time to answer and advise us about each document.
It can be a stressful process but we had a lot of laughs with Danielle as we worked through the details of updating our wills, trusts & poa’s.
I would recommend Hemness Faller to anyone needing legal help for an aging parent and anyone who needs reassurance that their kids will be taken care if something goes wrong.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Kimberly jagars
27 Jun, 2024 by William moore
Very thorough and helpful from making decision on service needed to the final paperwork package. The final package covered the created trust, living and final will, and power of attorney, included 2 hard copies and a digital copy. Also included were helpful instructions for survivors. I definitely feel this will be of great value to my family and would have no hesitation in recommending Hemness Faller Elder Law to anyone requiring this type of service.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Ricardo cesar martinez lopez
17 Jun, 2024 by Chantelle hatch
Loved having the support and knowledge that Jana and her staff provided me during this difficult time. Excellent level of professionalism and very responsive! Thank you for helping me close this chapter in my life with speed and ease!
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17 Jun, 2024 by Beth shipley
Thank you Tom for taking time to talk to me and the advise you gave. I truly appreciate your recommendations.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Kelly
We have used Hemness Faller a couple of times throughout the years and they have always provided excellent results for us.
Hemness Faller was recommended to us by a friend who had been in similar situations with an aging parent. Danielle provided a plan to help us take care of my dad’s physical and financial needs.
Also as parents we needed to make sure our children would be looked after by family if anything happened to us.
Our children are now grown and out on their own so we returned to Hemness Faller to update all of our legal papers. We asked a lot of questions and they took the time to answer and advise us about each document.
It can be a stressful process but we had a lot of laughs with Danielle as we worked through the details of updating our wills, trusts & poa’s.
I would recommend Hemness Faller to anyone needing legal help for an aging parent and anyone who needs reassurance that their kids will be taken care if something goes wrong.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Kimberly jagars
27 Jun, 2024 by William moore
Very thorough and helpful from making decision on service needed to the final paperwork package. The final package covered the created trust, living and final will, and power of attorney, included 2 hard copies and a digital copy. Also included were helpful instructions for survivors. I definitely feel this will be of great value to my family and would have no hesitation in recommending Hemness Faller Elder Law to anyone requiring this type of service.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Jessica sigler
28 Oct, 2024 by Cathy starnes
Ms. Askew was incredibly helpful and thorough in assisting me. I would highly recommend her firm.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Isa toledo
I feel incredibly fortunate to have found Ms. Askew! I was ready to pay her whatever it took, but she declined and instead provided me with invaluable legal advice. Although my case is complex and falls outside her jurisdiction, her expertise was evident. She is highly professional and incredibly transparent, qualities I truly appreciate. I will highly recommend her.
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06 Dec, 2022 by Amy sandler
Extremely overpriced! Attorney Lambert did not communicate with us, she did not return emails, did not have our best interest in mind and she kept us in the dark completely, not a good feeling while mourning my father’s passing. She grossly mismanaged my fathers estate at our expense. She walked away with 4X’$ what other probate lawyers would have charged. She did not have the beneficiaries best interest in mind, only the PRs. BIG huge mess and she just kept on charging $$$$$! She did not have the skills required to do a probate and she should have told us that! Run do not walk away from this attorney unless family and money do not matter to you. She ruined family relationships and made out quite well from my fathers estate. I could go on and on…and I have proof of everything!!! For a probate case that should have cost a max of $4000 (according to other Attorneys that I’m happy to recommend) she walked away with over $15,000! Plus, she mismanaged my fathers inventory!$$! Probate 101. Very, very upsetting experience that I would not wish on anyone.
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22 Oct, 2021 by Patty laws
17 Sep, 2021 by Mimi soule
Excellent choice. They will explain the process and choices that can be made on your behalf... They return calls promptly.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I had the pleasure of working with Jana Barnett and Tee at Barnett Gill law firm, and I couldn't be more impressed with their exceptional service and expertise. From the very first consultation, they demonstrated a deep understanding of my legal needs and provided clear, actionable advice. Jana and Tee are not only knowledgeable attorneys but also compassionate and supportive throughout the process. I highly recommend Barnett Gill law firm to anyone in need of top-notch legal representation.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Michael
I recently had the pleasure of being represented by Tom Gill in my divorce proceedings, and I must say, his professionalism and expertise exceeded all my expectations. From the very start, Tom was compassionate and understanding, listening to my concerns with great patience and providing clear, insightful advice.
Tom's mastery of family law was evident in his strategic approach to my case. He was meticulous in preparing all necessary documents, ensuring every detail was addressed to present the strongest possible argument. His negotiation skills were remarkable, allowing us to navigate through the complexities of the case effectively and reach a favorable outcome.
What truly sets Tom apart is his dedication to his clients. He was always accessible, responding promptly to my queries and keeping me informed of any developments. His support made a challenging time much more manageable.
I would highly recommend Tom Gill to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and committed divorce attorney. His professionalism and integrity are commendable, and his ability to achieve results is unparalleled. Thank you, Tom, for your exceptional service and support.
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08 Mar, 2023 by Chad
Absolute professionalism and excellence! Jana Barnett and the team at Barnett and Gill have been absolutely amazing! I have gone above and beyond the call of duty to do whatever it takes to get results! I could not give a better recommendation if you’re looking for a family law attorney! If you’re looking for the best representation around look no further!
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05 Dec, 2018 by Jeremy
After several years of family dispute regarding inheritance/split ownership of my grandparent’s real estate, I hired Mrs. Shaughnessy to help me with my legal advice and partitioning real estate needs. Even though I live out of state, Mara and staff was always responsive and professional when I reached out for status updates. Very pleased with the final judgement and currently in the process of finalizing everything so I can move forward with its sale. Overall, great experience and highly recommend Shaughnessy Law.
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13 Aug, 2018 by Joe
We have to start off by saying the court system is not fair when it comes to dead beat parents. Child services took my children from their mother for various warranted reasons (drugs, abuse, neglect), things that we didnt even know they were going through because they we to scared to tell anyone. We were appointed a court appointed attorney which was horrible and after my first experience with my last lawyer we were very skeptical about hiring a new lawyer. Mara came recommended to us through a friend and I have to say it was the best choice we've made in this regard over the last 11 years. During this whole process of the court and child services giving their mother chance after chance to reunify, making us feel like we did something wrong, and forcing the kids to talk and see their mother when they didnt want to Mara stayed positive. She was there anytime we had a question, needed a meeting, or advice during this 2 year process. We are grateful to say that finally we have full custody, the kids have completed their therapy, and they are happy and doing well in school.
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25 May, 2018 by Suzanne
Mara was not only professional but also caring. She looked after the best interests of my children. Cannot thank her enough for her diligence to get what was best for all of us.
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19 Oct, 2016 by Sophia
You simply can't realize how RIGHT everything that Laurie does until you've been to a lawyer who's done it all wrong. I came to Laurie to assemble a new estate plan after a change in my life. By leaps and bounds, I was so impressed by her passion for what she does, and more especially, her command of the subject matter in which she clearly demonstrates her expertise. I found out that the previous general practice lawyer who put together my older estate plan was a bona fide idiot, who gave me reams of incorrect advice. The detail in which Laurie delves in order to make sure you clearly understand what you're signing, as well as checking your grasp of the documents shows that she truly wants to make sure she's also educating her clients. She's an empowering person to have in my corner to guide me through important life decisions. I can't recommend her enough.
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01 Jul, 2016 by Tom
I am a New Yorker who was appointed executor in my sister's will... she was a Tampa resident. Needless to say, this responsibility was made even more difficult due to the distance involved. Knowing nothing about the Tampa area, I selected Ms. Ohall to assist with probate based upon a friend's recommendation... and I couldn't be more pleased.
Ms. Ohall and her paralegal staff provided clear, timely communications, worked side-by-side with me throughout the entire process, and generally provided outstanding service at a very reasonable fee. This firm gets my highest personal recommendation.
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15 May, 2016 by Robert
We worked with Laurie Ohall on our living trust and she did an outstanding job - from start to finish. She was very professional and thorough. We would highly recommend Laurie to anyone needing assistance with elder law or estate planning.
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10 Sep, 2020 by Rebecca tackett
I know how important reviews are. I know others experiences help at times of great uncertainty and emotional times. I can tell you that when I searched for attorneys at a trying time, I was exhausted and frustrated. The legal system is confusing and at times...never ending. Kristi jumped into my case 2 weeks before a complicated trial and gave everything she had. I always knew I had the best representation. She is smart and compassionate. She is authentic. She is assertive and professional. I always knew where I stood. She is worth every penny and I will ONLY recommend her in the future for needs of my family and friends. I have NEVER seen an attorney work harder. The best decision I ever made in a messy situation...I am more than grateful for her hard work and dedication to my situation. She is simply the best. Period.
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11 Jan, 2018 by Stephen
Kristi has been a pleasure to deal with. She is very professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommended for your family law needs.
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09 Jan, 2018 by Nora
Kristi was referred to me by a good friend when I was searching for the first step on what to do so that my husband could legally adopt my oldest son. My husband had been his Daddy for over 10 years and it seemed only natural to make it official. I asked questions and Kristi answered thoroughly. I cannot express my appreciation for all she did for us. As we are not from this state, we do not have family here, so when I asked her if there was any way we could get started on the paperwork when I could arrange for family to be in town as witnesses, she did not hesitate to accommodate my request. On a Saturday morning, on her day off, she met me and a whole big bunch of strangers at her office for the signing. Kristi was also very patient with us when we ran in to a few hiccups along the way. Those hiccups almost put everything on hold for us, but she was kind and generous to our family and even pushed for an emergency final hearing when my husband received orders to deploy at the last minute.
We are forever in debt to her kindness and professionalism, and aside from what she may think, we can never forget her.
Thank you, Kristi, for everything.
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20 Jun, 2023 by Leesa
Lourdes Bernal-Dixon is exactly who you want in your corner for all things that go along with Estate planning, probate, wills and trusts. She has done all our families wills and trust and estate planning. She is very detailed and listens to exactly what you want for your family. Estate planning isn't sometimes the easiest thing to talk about but it is a tremendous gift you give your family after you are gone. I can't recommend Lourdes Bernal-Dixon enough. If you are looking for any estate planning services she is the best in the business.
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17 Feb, 2015 by Veronica
While my husband and I thought we had covered our basis in a previous will that we had done ourselves, we had life changing events that required some changes and updates. We seeked out the guidance of Lourdes and it really drove home the need for someone professional and experienced to handle this and explained everything in terms we could understand. We so appreciated that she was able to draw information from us that we didn't even realize was important to the process. What a great feeling to have "peace of mind" on such an important detail of your life. We could not have done this without Lourdes and we felt so at ease through the entire process.
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30 Oct, 2014 by Susan
Creating a will is not something we like to talk about. It's kind of a downer. However, it is something everyone MUST do. I am so glad we sat down with Lourdes to work out the details of our future. Having only one child I thought it would be simple, give her everything. Not so simple. Lourdes explained what we needed to do and WHY we needed to do it. I highly recommend Lourdes, she answered all of our questions, and there were many.
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30 Jun, 2016 by Jennifer
When I contacted Courtney I was a wreck! She came up with a plan and executed it AMAZINGLY! Courtney will never promise you a win but let me tell you she will fight with every ounce in her to defend you and your rights! My case was a complicated one..it was a matter of a family member wanting to take custody of just my daughter. To make things even more difficult the opposing parties kept amending things and moving it to different court rooms to set the date out even further. But courtney was always on top of her game and had not only my best interest at my hand but my daughters. Now I'm reunited with my daughter and there are not enough words to express how thankful I am to have chosen courtney to be my attorney! Courtney Bueno is your lawyer to hire if you are looking for a honest person that will have your best interest at hand. She legitimately cares about her clients and it shows in everything she does! A million thanks Courtney!
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25 May, 2016 by Chantel
If you are looking for a straight forward lawyer that will fight for your best interest within the limits of the law, she is the one for you. I am a down to earth reasonable person, but life happens and I found myself needing a divorce attorney. Courtney came recommended by another attorney. From the moment I meet with her I knew she was my kind of lawyer. Up front, willing to listen but advise within the laws even if not in your favor. I am a let me know type of person there is no grey area for me and she left none. Once she took my case she was always only a call or email away. When in doubt any questions or concerns I had were addressed by her even if not by opposing council. Never a minute of my long over drawn divorce did I feel I was not getting the best defense. I was able to sleep at night knowing that I was in capable hands and that me and my children would get what was right in the eyes of the law and no more. My journey is over, but I will forever be grateful to the peaceful nights I was able to have during what is the most horrible and trying times anyone can go through,thanks to the knowledgeable and experienced job that Cortney Bueno provided me.
Kiddos to you and your outstanding serivce!!!! Again hands down one of the most amazing talented professional people you will ever meet. I am glad to have had the pleasure to meet and relate. You have my vote and recommendations through and through. God bless and continue to bless people with your talent.
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22 Sep, 2014 by Russ
Consummate professional. Mrs. Bueno provided accurate and timely guidance on a case involving the extension of support for a child past the age of 18 years. During the initial consult she discussed many other options that I did not receive from another, more "experienced" attorney. I decided to seek her counsel at a reasonable hourly rate. She was extremely prompt for all engagements and stands atop of all family law attorneys (across three states) I have dealt with over the past 18 years.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Jessica sigler
28 Oct, 2024 by Cathy starnes
Ms. Askew was incredibly helpful and thorough in assisting me. I would highly recommend her firm.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Isa toledo
I feel incredibly fortunate to have found Ms. Askew! I was ready to pay her whatever it took, but she declined and instead provided me with invaluable legal advice. Although my case is complex and falls outside her jurisdiction, her expertise was evident. She is highly professional and incredibly transparent, qualities I truly appreciate. I will highly recommend her.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Elizabeth perks
Elizabeth Wheeler has represented me on a case before the appellate court. I cant say enough about her dedication and representation. She took this case like if I was family to her.
She was honest all the way and never doing things extra to overcharge me. Thanks much Elizabeth!!.. I Will be forever grateful.
May God continue to bless your life.
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22 Apr, 2024 by John-lester gibson
Professional. Mr. Wheeler makes sure you understand your will and the direction you want it to flow
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14 Mar, 2024 by Glendon milligan
Lots of experience and knowledge- friendly.
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14 Jan, 2025 by Fresia tran
I am so grateful to have had Mark Mann by my side during a difficult time. From our first meeting, it was clear that he genuinely cared about my case and my well-being. Their kindness and empathy made a huge difference, and their sharp legal mind ensured everything was handled perfectly. He explained every step of the process in a way that was easy to understand and always made me feel like I was in good hands. His dedication and attention to detail gave me confidence and peace of mind. His advice was rooted in years of experience. If you’re looking for a lawyer who is not only incredibly smart but also compassionate and approachable, I cannot recommend Mark enough.He truly goes above and beyond to help his clients.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Devin williams
They did very well by me! They were so patient and understanding with me. They did their due diligence to advocate for me in ways I never would have noticed the absence of. I felt like I had somebody in my corner when I really needed it. You will not regret working with Griffin & Associates!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Kimberly lewis
Highly recommend Ryan. He is extremely knowledgeable, professional, provides you with fair and realistic expectations of the divorce process. He is a strong advocate for you and your child’s best interests. Very responsive and timely in communication with outstanding follow through. Divorce is a horrible process but Ryan navigates you through with care and attention for the individual needs of your case.
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11 Jan, 2022 by Chris
Intelligent, concerned, honest, fare. She spent months working to provide excellent defense.
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04 Jan, 2024 by Delta
Mr Gerald hemness jr... Is such a blessing to the Tampa Bay area he really takes the load off your shoulders on tough situations very understandable and courteous to whom ever is reading this and would like to use their services I highly recommend very easy get in contact with give him a try if you are wanting to experience good consultation or higher....
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13 Nov, 2023 by Maura
My father and I worked with Mr. Hemness from another state assisting us with a guardianship case. We all knew that it would have its bumps, but his extensive knowledge of both Florida law and laws in other states, ease in navigating the system, and gentle calming manner brought this process to a conclusion before other lawyers in the area would even give us an appointment for a consultant. He is extremely responsive to both email and telephone calls. I simply could not have asked for anything more. If you have the need for an attorney for guardianship, Mr. Hemness is the attorney you want.
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20 Dec, 2021 by Lorraine and george
Gerald Hemness' education and experience by themselves are an impressive package. He is a well-seasoned attorney in guardianship law.
Gerald can assess your case and give clear, thorough guidance for every step of the way. His patience is unsurpassed, and he promptly answers every question respectfully. He prepares you for success in and out of the courtroom.
We would highly recommend Gerald to anyone who finds themselves at any stage of this process. We were in an urgent situation, and Mr. Hemness went out of his way to take our case. He was like a kind, older brother leading us through every step.
His advice was straightforward, and his charges were reasonable – he's everything you would hope for when utilizing the services of an attorney for this type of case.
Guardianship is a necessary but oftentimes unpleasant step that is required to chart a safe path for a loved one's future, and it can bring up so many emotions. Mr. Hemness successfully helped us gain the custody we sought of our family member.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Christian vergara
These guys are amazing! The whole process was smooth and never got confused once. They really make everything easier. I would recommend The Golden Law Group to anyone!!
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08 Jan, 2025 by Glenn sellers
Everyone here helped me through very tough time. Very fast response times via email and through the phone. Literally held my hand all the way through. I would recommend to all my friends and family. Mr Barksdale, Jennifer, Elizabeth, you all are awesome and thank you very much.
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23 Dec, 2024 by Donnie maxwell
Jessica, Jennifer,& David are all great people and I would highly recommend them to anyone that needs their services
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13 Jan, 2025 by Diana zuniga
I had the pleasure of working with Deena Soliman on an international child relocation case, and I cannot recommend her enough. From the very beginning, she demonstrated the utmost professionalism and expertise in this complex area of law. Unlike many other lawyers who shy away from handling international relocation cases due to their challenging nature, Deena was fully prepared and well-versed in all aspects of the legal process.
What stood out most was her exceptional communication. She was always on top of every detail and kept me informed at every step, providing clarity and reassurance during a stressful time. Deena’s dedication and hard work made all the difference in navigating such a sensitive and intricate case.
If you’re looking for a lawyer who is professional, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to her clients, I highly recommend Deena Soliman. Thank you for your outstanding work!
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17 Dec, 2024 by Cortney hall
Mrs. Soliman and her staff were amazing to work with. Very responsive and professional! Highly recommend!
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13 Nov, 2024 by Ali m
Big thank you to Deena for her legal assistance. HIGHLY recommend her!
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27 Mar, 2024 by Rita cameron
26 Feb, 2024 by Angie g
17 Oct, 2023 by Ashley tirado
27 Mar, 2024 by Rita cameron
26 Feb, 2024 by Angie g
17 Oct, 2023 by Ashley tirado
17 May, 2024 by Employee oneblood
01 Mar, 2023 by Raymond wyerick
06 Mar, 2021 by Larri rosenberg
17 Nov, 2024 by Andor kasuba
This kind of law firm should not exist on this planet. They just care about the money. There was no consultation whatsoever and right away charged me for $5500 without knowing what my case is about. Because of them i lost $50000. My wife sent all of her cash onto family members approximately 200,000 nobody cared and then they suggested me to sign the mediation what i regret so much. After the mediation a called 3 lawyers and they said how stupid i am. This lawyer cam only solve non problematic cases maximum but for that u dont need lawyer that is so simple. I hope these guys will lose their licenses one day.
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02 May, 2024 by Cathy bosek
Very thorough and organized firm.
Highly recommended!
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02 May, 2024 by Hisham khalil
Steve is awesome guy and his team will put some money on ur pockets
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16 Sep, 2024 by Beatrice
Mr. Magann was able to place key documents in both systems with his security clearance and access which was key to my winning. The medical team was able to exams which put me over the top.
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28 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
For 21 months I did all the work for my son's case. Magann's office simply faxed/mailed everything I had to complete/gather/copy/request. He does not do in-office consults/interviews - so I never met him. Slow to respond to e-mails, phone calls. We terminated his "services" because he accomplished nothing nor did anything for us in 21 months.
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30 Apr, 2013 by Marie
I am a veteran and was denied benefits and I needed an attorney for my hearing. Mr. Magann helped me obtain my file, wrote a letter to the Judge, helped me prepare for my testimony and I won after a long wait.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
He scheduled an appointment for a consultation and then did not show up or call. Did not even have the courtesy to respond to inquiry about what happened, --- was the consultation cancelled or rescheduled? Instead, I was told that he was going to call back but again, he did not call or respond. Left sitting there stranded, wasting my time waiting. Rude and disrespectful of other people's time. At least I discovered this before signing a $5K contract. I cannot imagine the harm that he would have done. He's the type of attorney that gives the entire profession a bad name, embodying all the negative stereotypes and epitomizing all the jokes about attorneys. As Shakespeare said, many a truth is said in jest. My recommendation: Try to find an honest, principled attorney, if one even exists. Mr. Brice Zoecklein cannot even honor his own promise or respect another's time.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Monica ruiz
He failed on all levels 1. Lost paperwork had to resend twice 2. Didn’t listen to me 3. Never replied to my phone calls and never any updates and then had the nerve to call me a liar when I left my honest reviews 4. Told me that it doesn’t cost much to send a letter out and then I got a quote of 10,000. The best judgement is going to be Gods judgement and nobody is going to get away and I won’t be led to continuing supporting dishonest lawyers. One of there workers told me that people rather pay lawyers money when this was coming out of my pocket!! Someone who is disabled! Worst lawyers ever!!!
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07 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney for a difficult probate case in Florida, whereas I am out of state. I gave him all relevant information about the case in my initial call, yet he later claimed he had no idea about these very important basic facts. This caused all assets to be seized by elder abusers who had already begun their grift, and led to the loss of my entire inheritance, not to mention the further desecration of my loved one's memory. Very shocked to see reviews mentioning this attorney as "aggressive", as he was the opposite, quite impotent, in my case, and in the end withdrew from the case without even telling me, leaving me utterly flummoxed as to what to do. I guess the elder abusers now get to win, and I get left without legal representation.
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What an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You
An estate planning lawyer helps individuals plan for the management and distribution of their assets after death or during incapacitation. Their services involve drafting important legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning attorneys work to ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes, minimize tax liabilities, and avoid probate court. They also help clients plan for potential long-term care needs and protect their estate from being diminished by healthcare costs.
By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for and that your estate will be managed efficiently and according to your desires.
When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is beneficial in many situations, especially when you want to ensure that your assets are handled properly after death. Common reasons to hire an estate planning lawyer include:
- Drafting a will: If you want to clearly define how your assets will be distributed after death, an attorney can draft a legally sound will.
- Creating a trust: For those looking to avoid probate or provide for loved ones over time, setting up a trust can help manage the distribution of assets.
- Planning for incapacity: An estate lawyer can help draft powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
- Minimizing estate taxes: If your estate is large, a lawyer can help create strategies to reduce or eliminate federal and state estate taxes.
- Special circumstances: If you have minor children, blended families, or complex assets like businesses, an estate planning lawyer can create tailored solutions.
- Guardianship or conservatorship: If you want to designate guardians for minor children or ensure proper care for incapacitated adults, an attorney can help.
Hiring an estate planning lawyer is especially important if your estate is complex or if you want to ensure that your wishes are properly followed.
What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?
An estate planning lawyer provides a range of services designed to help you organize your affairs and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. They can:
- Draft wills and trusts: Creating legally binding documents that dictate how your assets will be distributed and managed.
- Create powers of attorney and healthcare directives: Appointing someone to make financial or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
- Minimize taxes: Developing strategies to reduce estate taxes, gift taxes, and other financial liabilities for your heirs.
- Help avoid probate: Structuring your estate plan to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your beneficiaries.
- Advise on long-term care planning: Helping you plan for potential healthcare needs in the future, including Medicaid planning and protecting assets from being depleted by nursing home costs.
- Assist with beneficiary designations: Ensuring that life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments are correctly designated.
- Handle probate and estate administration: If a loved one has passed away, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the probate process or act as an executor.
How Are Estate Planning Lawyers Paid?
Estate planning lawyers typically charge for their services in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of services you need. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many estate planning services, such as drafting a will or trust, are charged on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers all work related to preparing the document.
- Hourly rate: For more complex planning, such as estate tax strategy or trust administration, lawyers may charge by the hour. Rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: Some lawyers require a retainer for more complex cases, such as ongoing trust management or estate administration. The retainer is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. Here are some general guidelines:
- Simple wills or powers of attorney: A straightforward will or power of attorney may cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience.
- Trust creation: Establishing a trust, such as a living trust or revocable trust, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your assets and estate planning needs.
- Comprehensive estate planning packages: Some lawyers offer packages that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, which may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the estate’s complexity.
- Hourly rates: For ongoing services like estate administration or tax planning, lawyers may charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.
Always get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Lawyer
Before hiring an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
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What is your experience with estate planning?
Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience drafting wills, creating trusts, and handling other estate planning services. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or by the hour and ask for a detailed estimate of costs. -
What strategies do you recommend for my estate?
A good lawyer should be able to explain the best strategies for minimizing taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. -
How often should I update my estate plan?
Ask how frequently you should revisit your estate plan, especially if your financial situation or family dynamics change. -
Do you offer ongoing support or updates?
Some lawyers provide periodic reviews or updates to ensure your estate plan stays current with changes in your circumstances or the law. -
How will you help my beneficiaries if something happens to me?
Ensure the lawyer is willing to guide your heirs through the estate administration process or help manage your trust after you’re gone.
How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:
- Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
- Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
- List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
- Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
- Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
- Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.
By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.
